Gift Guide: Sweet, Affordable Finds For Your Mom And Grandmother

It's always a toughie: what to buy to show your appreciation to the women in your life who've sacrificed the most for you over the years. I've narrowed your list down to some of the prettiest, most thoughtful and useful gifts out there for mom and grandma.

A great rule of thumb when holiday shopping for mom is to buy her something she wouldn't buy for herself, whether that's a slightly extravagant hand soap or a cozy pair of slippers. Every Christmas, I buy my mom one keepsake ornament—this year's is an acorn hand-dipped in gold that I found on Etsy.

Before you get started, make a list of stuff your mom likes to do. Is she an avid chef? Buy her a cookbook or a handy kitchen gadget. Does she relish hour long soaks in the bath? Lavish her with a fluffy new robe. And when in doubt, think of something you and your mom could do together (especially if you live nearby): Movie tickets, a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant or even a new teapot all make for satisfying opportunities to bond. Oh, and the best part is, no matter what you get your mom, she'll still love you—that's what moms are for.

Here are some of my top gift ideas under $100 for moms and grandmothers: